Joshua 11:21

KJV

And at that time came Joshua, and cut off the Anakims from the mountains, from Hebron, from Debir, from Anab, and from all the mountains of Judah, and from all the mountains of Israel: Joshua destroyed them utterly with their cities.

KJV (with Strong's)

And at that time {H6256} came {H935} Joshua {H3091}, and cut off {H3772} the Anakims {H6062} from the mountains {H2022}, from Hebron {H2275}, from Debir {H1688}, from Anab {H6024}, and from all the mountains {H2022} of Judah {H3063}, and from all the mountains {H2022} of Israel {H3478}: Joshua {H3091} destroyed them utterly {H2763} with their cities {H5892}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Y'hoshua at that time came and cut off the 'Anakim from the land - from Hevron, D'vir, 'Anav and from all the hill-country of Y'hudah and Isra'el; Y'hoshua utterly destroyed them and their cities.

Berean Standard Bible

At that time Joshua proceeded to eliminate the Anakim from the hill country of Hebron, Debir, and Anab, and from all the hill country of Judah and of Israel. Joshua devoted them to destruction, along with their cities.

American Standard Version

And Joshua came at that time, and cut off the Anakim from the hill-country, from Hebron, from Debir, from Anab, and from all the hill-country of Judah, and from all the hill-country of Israel: Joshua utterly destroyed them with their cities.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 11:21 encapsulates a pivotal moment in the Israelite conquest of Canaan, detailing Joshua's decisive and comprehensive campaign against the Anakim. This formidable people, known for their immense stature, were eradicated from their strongholds in the mountainous regions of Judah and Israel, including key cities such as Hebron, Debir, and Anab. This victory signifies a major step towards the fulfillment of God's ancient promises regarding the Promised Land and the complete dispossessing of its wicked inhabitants, underscoring divine faithfulness and the power granted to an obedient people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Joshua 11:21 is strategically positioned as a concluding summary statement following the major military campaigns in the Book of Joshua. It appears after the account of the southern coalition's defeat in [Joshua 10](/joshua/10 "Joshua 10 - Southern Campaign") and the northern coalition's destruction in [Joshua 11:1-15](/joshua/11-1-15 "Joshua 11:1-15 - Northern Campaign"). This verse specifically highlights the comprehensive nature of the conquest against the Anakim, a group whose formidable reputation had previously instilled great fear among the Israelite spies, as recounted in [Numbers 13:33](/numbers/13-33 "Numbers 13:33 - The Anakim Terrify the Spies"). By detailing their eradication, the narrative powerfully affirms God's unwavering power to overcome even the most daunting adversaries, thereby setting the stage for the subsequent division of the land among the tribes, beginning in [Joshua 13](/joshua/13 "Joshua 13 - Division of the Land Begins").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Anakim were an indigenous pre-Israelite people group in Canaan, often described as possessing exceptional height and strength, leading to their traditional identification as "giants." Their presence, particularly in strategically vital mountainous regions such as Hebron (ancient Kiriath-Arba), Debir (Kiriath-Sepher), and Anab, represented a significant physical and psychological barrier to Israel's complete possession of the land. The campaign against the Anakim, like other Canaanite groups, was executed under the principle of *herem*, or "devotion to destruction." This was not merely a military tactic but a severe act of divine judgment against the deeply entrenched idolatry, moral depravity, and abhorrent practices prevalent among the Canaanite peoples, including child sacrifice and pervasive sexual immorality. God commanded their utter destruction to preserve the holiness of the land and to prevent Israel from being corrupted by pagan influences, ensuring the purity of the covenant people and their unique relationship with Yahweh.
* **Key Themes:** The systematic elimination of the Anakim powerfully illustrates several core themes central to the Book of Joshua and the broader Old Testament narrative. Firstly, it exemplifies **Divine Faithfulness and Empowerment**, demonstrating God's unwavering commitment to His covenant promises, particularly His pledge to give the land to Abraham's descendants, as seen in [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - God's Promise of Land to Abraham"). The defeat of such formidable foes underscores that God actively fights for His people, enabling them to achieve what is humanly impossible, a truth echoed in [Deuteronomy 3:22](/deuteronomy/3-22 "Deuteronomy 3:22 - The Lord Fights for You"). Secondly, it highlights **Obedience and Leadership**, as Joshua's decisive action against the Anakim reflects his unwavering adherence to God's explicit commands to dispossess the inhabitants of Canaan, as outlined in [Deuteronomy 7:2](/deuteronomy/7-2 "Deuteronomy 7:2 - Command to Destroy Canaanites"). His faithful leadership was instrumental in guiding Israel through daunting challenges. Thirdly, the "utter destruction" signifies **Judgment and Holiness**, emphasizing the theological concept of *herem* as a necessary act of divine judgment against profound wickedness, crucial for maintaining the sanctity of the land and the spiritual purity of Israel.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Anakim (Hebrew, _ʻĂnâqî'_):** This term refers to a specific people group, descendants of Anak, renowned for their imposing stature and strength. They were widely perceived as "giants" and instilled significant fear, as vividly described in the spies' report in [Numbers 13:33](/numbers/13-33 "Numbers 13:33 - The Anakim Terrify the Spies"). Their presence represented a major, seemingly insurmountable, obstacle to Israel's conquest and inheritance of the Promised Land.
* **Cut off (Hebrew, _kârath'_):** This verb denotes a decisive and complete severance, extermination, or destruction. In the context of Joshua 11:21, it implies that Joshua's campaign was not merely a defeat but a thorough removal and eradication of the Anakim from their strongholds, thereby breaking their power and eliminating their presence in the land. This term can also refer to the making of a covenant, which often involved "cutting" animals, but here it speaks of decisive action against an enemy.
* **Destroyed them utterly (Hebrew, _châram'_):** This phrase translates the Hebrew root *ḥāram*, which denotes putting something under a ban or consecrating it for destruction. It refers to the concept of *herem*, a divinely commanded holy war where the enemies and their possessions were devoted to God by complete destruction. This was not an act of wanton cruelty but a severe, necessary act of divine judgment against the extreme wickedness and idolatry of the Canaanite nations, essential for preserving the holiness of the land and preventing Israel from being corrupted by their abominable practices.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And at that time came Joshua, and cut off the Anakims from the mountains":** This initial clause establishes the precise historical timing of this campaign, placing it immediately after the major victories over the southern and northern coalitions. It highlights Joshua's direct and active role as God's chosen leader in confronting these formidable foes, specifically targeting their entrenched strongholds within the rugged mountainous terrain, which were difficult to conquer.
* **"from Hebron, from Debir, from Anab":** This provides crucial geographical specificity, naming three prominent cities in the southern part of the land where the Anakim had established their power and influence. Hebron (Kiriath-Arba), Debir (Kiriath-Sepher), and Anab were strategic locations, and their capture signified the breaking of the Anakim's core strength and dominion within the territory designated for Judah.
* **"and from all the mountains of Judah, and from all the mountains of Israel":** This broadens the scope of the campaign dramatically, indicating that Joshua's actions against the Anakim were not confined to just a few key cities but extended across the entire mountainous regions of the territories designated for both Judah and the broader Israelite tribes. The emphatic repetition of "all the mountains" underscores the comprehensive and widespread nature of this phase of the conquest, leaving no major Anakim stronghold untouched.
* **"Joshua destroyed them utterly with their cities":** This concluding phrase powerfully reiterates Joshua's central role as the instrument of God's will and confirms the complete and irreversible nature of the Anakim's defeat. The use of "destroyed them utterly" (from *ḥāram*) underscores the profound theological dimension of the conquest—it was a divinely mandated act of judgment, ensuring the complete removal of these wicked inhabitants and their urban centers from the land, thereby making way for Israel's secure and uncorrupted inheritance.

#### Literary Devices
Joshua 11:21 employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message of comprehensive victory and divine faithfulness. **Repetition** is prominently featured in the phrase "from all the mountains of Judah, and from all the mountains of Israel," which serves to emphasize the thoroughness and wide geographical scope of Joshua's campaign against the Anakim. This repetition underscores the comprehensive nature of the victory, suggesting a complete and decisive sweep. The specific **Geographic Listing** of "Hebron, from Debir, from Anab" grounds the narrative in concrete, historical locations, lending credibility and strategic significance to the described events. These were not random places but known Anakim strongholds, whose fall would have resonated deeply with the Israelite audience. Furthermore, the verse functions as a profound **Theological Statement**, asserting God's faithfulness and power through Joshua's actions. The defeat of the Anakim, who were previously a source of immense fear and doubt (as seen in the wilderness generation), serves as a powerful testament to God's ability to fulfill His promises and overcome any humanly perceived obstacle. While the phrase "all the mountains" might suggest a degree of **Hyperbole** to emphasize the decisive nature of the conquest rather than a literal extermination of every single Anakim (as some remnants are mentioned later, e.g., in [Joshua 14:12](/joshua/14-12 "Joshua 14:12 - Caleb's Request for Hebron")), it effectively communicates the complete breaking of their power and influence as a unified threat.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 11:21 stands as a profound theological statement on God's omnipotence and unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises. The defeat of the Anakim, who represented the most formidable and fear-inducing adversaries in the land, serves as a powerful demonstration that no obstacle is too great for the Lord. This victory confirms that God actively fights for His people, enabling them to achieve what is humanly impossible. It underscores the necessity of radical obedience to God's commands, as Joshua's unwavering faith and action were instrumental in securing this triumph. The "utter destruction" of the Anakim also highlights the severity of divine judgment against entrenched wickedness and the importance of removing all spiritual contaminants to preserve the holiness of God's people and the land. This historical event provides a powerful paradigm for believers today, reminding us that with God's power, even our most daunting "giants"—whether they be persistent sins, overwhelming fears, or spiritual strongholds—can be overcome through faith and obedience.

* [Numbers 13:33](/numbers/13-33 "Numbers 13:33 - The Spies' Fear of the Anakim")
* [Deuteronomy 9:2](/deuteronomy/9-2 "Deuteronomy 9:2 - Description of the Anakim")
* [Joshua 14:12-15](/joshua/14-12-15 "Joshua 14:12-15 - Caleb Conquers Hebron")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joshua's decisive victory over the Anakim offers profound spiritual lessons for believers navigating the challenges of contemporary life. Just as Israel faced literal giants who seemed unconquerable, we often encounter metaphorical "giants" in our own lives—overwhelming circumstances, deeply ingrained sinful habits, spiritual strongholds, or paralyzing fears that seem insurmountable. This verse serves as a powerful reminder that with God's power, no obstacle is too great. It calls us to courageous faith, urging us to confront our "giants" not in our own strength, but in confident reliance on the Lord who fights for us. Furthermore, the concept of "utter destruction" (*herem*) for the Anakim challenges us to consider areas in our lives where compromise with sin or worldly influences might be hindering our spiritual growth. It beckons us to a radical, uncompromising obedience, completely cutting off anything that stands in opposition to God's will and our sanctification, trusting Him for complete victory and the purification of our spiritual "land."

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "giants" or seemingly insurmountable obstacles are you currently facing in your life that require God's power to overcome?**
* **In what areas of your life is God calling you to radical obedience, even when the task seems daunting or the enemy appears too strong?**
* **How does the concept of "utter destruction" (*herem*) apply to the way believers should deal with persistent sin, spiritual strongholds, or ungodly influences in their lives?**

### FAQ
**Why did God command the "utter destruction" of the Anakim and other Canaanites?**

Answer: The command for "utter destruction" (Hebrew: *ḥāram*, or *herem*) was a severe act of divine judgment, not arbitrary cruelty. The Canaanite nations, including the Anakim, had reached a profound level of moral depravity, characterized by widespread idolatry, child sacrifice, pervasive sexual immorality, and other abominable practices that deeply offended God's holiness. As stated in [Leviticus 18:24-25](/leviticus/18-24-25 "Leviticus 18:24-25 - Land Vomits Out Inhabitants"), the land itself was said to be "vomiting out" its inhabitants due to their wickedness. God commanded their removal to prevent their corrupting influence from infecting Israel, His chosen people, and to preserve the purity of the covenant and the holiness of the land. It was a necessary measure to establish a holy nation in a holy land, ensuring Israel's spiritual distinctiveness and their role as a light to the nations. This judgment was not based on Israel's righteousness, but on the wickedness of the Canaanites, as explained in [Deuteronomy 9:4-5](/deuteronomy/9-4-5 "Deuteronomy 9:4-5 - Not for Your Righteousness").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joshua's campaign to "cut off" and "utterly destroy" the formidable Anakim serves as a powerful Old Testament type foreshadowing the ultimate, decisive victory of Jesus Christ. Just as Joshua led Israel to conquer physical giants and dispossess enemies from the Promised Land, Jesus, our greater Joshua, leads His people in a spiritual conquest, overcoming the far more formidable enemies of sin, death, and the devil. The complete eradication of the Anakim from their strongholds prefigures Christ's triumph over the powers of darkness. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus disarmed the principalities and powers, triumphing over them (see [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")). He came to destroy the works of the devil ([1 John 3:8](/1_john/3-8 "1 John 3:8 - Jesus Appeared to Destroy the Works of the Devil")) and, through His own death, to destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil ([Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14-15 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Christ Destroys the Power of Death")). The "utter destruction" of the Anakim by Joshua points to the comprehensive and irreversible nature of Christ's victory, which secures for believers their spiritual inheritance and eternal dwelling in God's kingdom, free from the tyranny of sin and evil. Ultimately, Christ is the victorious Warrior who will return to fully establish His righteous reign, as depicted in [Revelation 19:11-16](/revelation/19-11-16 "Revelation 19:11-16 - Christ as Victorious Warrior").

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Deuteronomy 9:2

A people great and tall, the children of the Anakims, whom thou knowest, and [of whom] thou hast heard [say], Who can stand before the children of Anak!

Joshua 15:13

¶ And unto Caleb the son of Jephunneh he gave a part among the children of Judah, according to the commandment of the LORD to Joshua, [even] the city of Arba the father of Anak, which [city is] Hebron.

Joshua 15:14

And Caleb drove thence the three sons of Anak, Sheshai, and Ahiman, and Talmai, the children of Anak.

Numbers 13:22

And they ascended by the south, and came unto Hebron; where Ahiman, Sheshai, and Talmai, the children of Anak, [were]. (Now Hebron was built seven years before Zoan in Egypt.)

Numbers 13:23

And they came unto the brook of Eshcol, and cut down from thence a branch with one cluster of grapes, and they bare it between two upon a staff; and [they brought] of the pomegranates, and of the figs.

Deuteronomy 1:28

Whither shall we go up? our brethren have discouraged our heart, saying, The people [is] greater and taller than we; the cities [are] great and walled up to heaven; and moreover we have seen the sons of the Anakims there.

Judges 1:10

And Judah went against the Canaanites that dwelt in Hebron: (now the name of Hebron before [was] Kirjatharba:) and they slew Sheshai, and Ahiman, and Talmai.